Book 5: I'll Wait, Dear (Steven Adler FanFic)

Ch. 17: 1, 2, 3

Now that my lunch date with David had passed without a hitch, I had a new set of worries. Most notably, how Steven had been handling my little girl all afternoon. Would she be safe? Had he forgotten to feed her? Ignored her all day? Would Liz have let that happen? Knowing Liz, I could see her being easily distracted by Slash.

The image of what could possibly be happening at Steven's house suddenly flashed in my mind: Liz and Slash, fucking on the couch, in plain view of Catherine. Steven, rolling around on the ground with his puppy, blissfully unaware of the horrors going on around him. The vision struck fear in my heart and I lurched forward to order the driver to step on it.

As soon as I arrived in front of Steven's house, I knew something was amiss. My first clue was that Steven was sitting outside. My second clue was that he was all alone in the front yard, playing with blades of grass, a sour pout on his face.

"Shit," I hissed.

I didn't even wait for the chauffeur to open the door. I practically bowled him over as I swung the door open myself and stormed out of the limo.

When Steven noticed me stomping over, his eyes lit up and that signature smile flashed across his face. "Aurora! You're home!"

Home? Did he think we were playing as husband and wife right now? How could he be so happy to see me when it's so obvious how pissed I am?

"Why the hell are you outside and my daughter is inside?" I demanded, ignoring his remark.

His smile faded when he seemed to remember that he was still outside on the lawn. As the realization dawned on him, a shadow of fear crept over his face and he gaped at me in terror.

"It's not my fault, I swear!" He shrieked, his voice raising an octave. He lifted his arms over his head as though I was about to hit him-which I had strongly been considering in the passed few seconds.

"Oh yeah? Who's fault is it then? Cuz I've got a beating with their name on it," I roared, my teeth gnashing.

"It was Liz! We were playing hide and seek with Cathy, but Liz said it would be more fun if more people were over. Of course, Cathy thought that was a great idea and..." He paused to catch his breath. "I don't know. I can't say 'no' to her..."

I rolled my eyes and tried my best to suppress the trail of profanities that desperately wanted to escape my mouth. Instead, the held back words seemed to come out in primal grunts. I was furious.

Although I had my suspicions, I couldn't help but ask: "Who did you invite over?"

Steven cringed. "I don't wanna' say."

I inhaled a deep breath, closing my eyes, trying to stay calm. I had to keep my patience. "And why is that?"

"You'll be mad at me," Steven pouted.

Opening my eyes, I could see Steven peeking up at me through his arms. They were still raised for protection, and he was giving me puppy dog eyes.

I felt the fury in me beginning to subside as I fixated on those big, blue eyes. He seemed so sweet, so vulnerable...I couldn't help but give up on the desire to beat his face in. My new target was Liz.

"That's fine. I'm a mom. I already know the answer," I muttered.

Stepping around Steven, I marched up to the door and tried to open it. I felt stupid when it didn't open. Of course it was locked. Why else would Steven be playing in the grass all day?

"Open up this door, Liz!" I demanded, pounding my fist against the door.

"She won't open it. You don't think I've tried that?" Steven was suddenly standing at my side, looking bored with grass tangled in his hair.